The vineyard of Saintayme is planted to almost 100% Merlot. There is also a small percentage of Cabernet Franc planted here. Located in the increasingly popular commune of Saint Etienne de Lisse, here you find the cooler soils of that sector are also the home for Valandraud and Chateau Fleur Cardinale. The vineyard of Saintayme is in 1 single parcel.

The terroir is limestone, clay and gravel soils, similar to what you find at many top Saint Emilion vineyards. On average, the vineyard is planted to a vine density of 6,000 vines per hectare. The vines are old at close to 35 years of age.

The wine of Saintayme is produced by the same technical team that makes all the wines for Denis Durantou. The wines vinified in small, temperature controlled, stainless steel vats.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats. According to Denis Durantou, the reason is for better control of the yeast and bacteria. aged in 30% new, French oak, barrels for an average of 14 months.

Saintayme is a new project for Denis Durantou. Currently, the wine sells for a song, making it one of the better value Right Bank wines from this increasingly expensive region.

Chateau Saintayme is better with at least 3-5 years of bottle age. Of course that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage.

Chateau Saintayme is best enjoyed in the first 4-12 years of life. Young vintages can be decanted for about 1 hour, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Serving Saintayme, with Wine and Food Pairings

Saintayme is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Saintayme is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes. Saintayme is also good when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms and pasta.

Saintayme Wine Tasting Notes

7 Vintages 15,652 ViewsSort by Vintage-Rating

2017

Saintayme (St. Émilion Grand Cru)

89

Red fruits with a hint of earth and citrus on the front end. In the middle, you have a medium-bodied palate that offers spicy, red fruits, cocoa and another dash of that entertaining citrus in the finish. This forward wine was produced with 100% Merlot. You can enjoy this early in life.

1,292 Views Tasted Apr 26, 2018

Made by Denis Durantou and produced from 100% Merlot, the wine offers a sweet, juicy, straight ahead plum and licorice nose. An early drinker with more depth and sweetness than normally found at Saintayme, there is a dusty, easy to like finish.

1,793 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2017

Produced from 100% Merlot, this Denis Durantou wine delivers licorice and black cherry notes with round textures and a supple, forward, medium-bodied, charming quality. This will provide nice, early drinking pleasure.

3,791 Views Tasted Apr 29, 2016

Produced from 100% Merlot, this wine, made by Denis Durantou, offers an easy drinking, soft, round, open style with black cherry, licorice and chocolate in the end note. Drinkable on release. 87-89 Pts

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